In theory, all you really need for running is a pair of running shoes and workout attire. But over the years I’ve found myself needing a lot more. The list has grown to more than 10 items, depending on the day. Getting ready for runs can be process. It starts with waking up early enough, making sure I eat something well in advance, and hydrating. If I’m on top of things that day, I make sure I have everything I need ready to go in a pile. Most days, though, I’m frantically running about the house getting what I need. Check out my list of running essentials and let me know what you would absolutely need for runs, and what you would add or subtract.
These are just some of my running essentials.
Hair ties: This is absolutely a necessity. The days when I forget to bring a hair tie to the yoga or Orangetheory studio are the worst. You can sometimes get lucky and find a rubberband at the front desk, but who wants to do that? I somehow broke or wore down all my hair ties recently, so I replaced them with plastic ones from Scunci. I actually didn’t realize they were plastic-type material when I bought them online, and I was skeptical when I received them. But I find them to be durable and they came in various fun colors. (My previous set were plain black standard hair ties.)
Doc Spartan Combat Ready ointment: I only recently started using this after I received it in my Stride Box. You can use it on skin that requires healing.
Hat and/or sunglasses: If it’s raining, I wear a hat to keep the water out of my eyes. This happens too often in Chicago. In Phoenix, I would sometimes wear a hat to keep the sun out of my eyes if not wearing sunglasses.
Headlamp or flashing taillight or flashing slapband: I use a headlamp if I’m running in the dark. (Some races even require them if you’re running at dusk.) I recently got a flashing slapband in my Stride Box that I’ve used twice as well. Even better: Wearing a reflective vest. I don’t often do this, but I have one from running Ragnar four times. In Phoenix I would often run at night, and I would use both a headlamp and a taillight so I could be as visible as possible to drivers.
